UK/EU fees

International fees

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A combined English and Linguistics course offers one of the most stimulating university degrees.

Studying English will give you new ways of thinking about the world and new possibilities of expression. Studying linguistics will enable you to understand and interpret language and to learn the science behind how we communicate. Studying English and Linguistics together offers you the exciting opportunity to study both the art and science of language.

Staff in both departments are world-renowned for their research, which covers every period of history, many major languages and most literary genres, and all areas of the world.

You can discover more about the Department of English and Related Literature’s exciting degree programmes by watching our video.

Interdisciplinary teaching

You'll benefit from our interdisciplinary research and teaching with critical thinking and transferable skills.

Highly ranked

We are 5th in the UK for English, and in the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects for Linguistics (Complete University Guide 2020).

Course content

You’ll cover a range of topics on English and foreign languages, linguistics, and literatures. Our innovative curriculum offers an international outlook that takes account of global contexts.

All combined course students take 120 credits each year, adding up to 360 credits across the course of your degree. In the first and second year, you will split your studies equally between the English and Linguistics components of your degree. In your third year, it’s possible to vary the balance and devote more time to either English or Linguistics, depending on your own intellectual interests.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Year 1

In the first year of your degree, we’ll introduce you to the undergraduate study of English and Linguistics. Our modules will give you the skills you need to start undertaking literary and linguistic research, and advice on how to combine the two disciplines.

English

As an English/Linguistics student you'll take the following three modules in English. These modules are designed to lay the foundation of literary study for your whole degree.

A year-long foundation module that provides you with important critical and methodological contexts for the study of literature, as well as an introduction to rhetoric and writing. In addition, you will be introduced to strategies for developing essay-writing skills, engaging with criticism and critical theory, and revising work to improve its fluency and persuasiveness, as part of the English Department’s innovative Writing at York provision.

Linguistics

You will take a further 60 credits in Linguistics.

Core modules

Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology (20 credits) familiarises you with the relationship between the sounds of speech as well as the abstract linguistic system that underlies them, and the basic structure of sound systems across languages.

Introduction to Syntax (20 credits) acquaints you with the analysis of the structure of sentences and phrases, and with the theoretical frameworks involved.

Option modules

You'll also take one further 20-credit module from these options:

Introduction to Sociolinguistics (20 credits) provides you with a foundation in the study of language variation and change, and an understanding of key aspects of the social functions and uses of language.

History of English I(20 Credits) provides you with an overview of the major historical developments in the history of English, important aspects of the older stages of the language (Old, Middle, Early Modern English), and the historical sources of some features of the modern language.

We also offer more advanced modules in History of English or Sociolinguistics, building on your first-year studies.

Year 3

English

Option modules

You'll choose from our Advanced Option Modules (20 credits each) in English. These reflect the wide-ranging and cutting-edge research expertise of the Department and you can typically expect to choose from around 25 options on varied topics such as:

Some of the Linguistics modules may require previous study in that area.

Dissertation

You also have the option of undertaking a year-long dissertation, one of the distinctive features of the English/Linguistics degree at York. This can either be an English Literature Dissertation (40 credits) or a Bridge Dissertation(40 credits); the latter invites you to undertake a research project that brings the study of English and Linguistics together, and is supervised by a member of staff in each department. Each version of this advanced module offers you the chance to use all the research and writing skills you will have developed at York.

Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

Read diverse texts closely and critically, interpreting them with reference to the period and tradition in which they were produced, synthesizing information from secondary sources where appropriate.

Analyze the affective power of language and narrative, and their cultural and political impact, and use this awareness better to understand the world and influence others.

Select and deploy qualitative and quantitative research methods acquired through the study of the nature, use, and acquisition of language.

Propose creative and principled solutions to linguistic problems and contribute them effectively to interdisciplinary teams, forming a bridge between humanities and scientific disciplines.

Appreciate, engage with, and synthesize arguments from a variety of external standpoints, and interrogate your own assumptions, developing your critical practice in the light of self-reflection, peer review, and advice and feedback from others.

Identify and formulate novel questions which advance critical debate within a range of disciplines, and approach them both individually and in teams, using advanced written and oral skills.

Show sensitivity and perceptiveness concerning aspects of social, cultural, and political realities where language plays an important role and be able to highlight the relevance of literature- and linguistics-related issues in a globalised and interconnected world.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK/EU

International

£9,250

£17,890

Additional costs

You'll need copies of the texts set for each module. Where possible, the Department works to arrange digital copies via the University Library. Where this is not practical, you'll be instructed in advance of the start of each term about the texts and editions you'll need to purchase (whether new or second-hand).

UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK, EU or international student.

Fees for subsequent years

UK/EU: further increases within the government fee cap will apply in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.

International: fees for international students are subject to annual increases. Increases are currently capped at 2% per annum.

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2020/21 throughout the year.

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

In English, you’ll learn through a programme of seminars, lectures, workshops and one-to-one consultations. We emphasize small-group teaching, which means you’ll mainly be taught in seminars.

In Linguistics, you’ll learn through a mix of seminars, lectures, practicals and labs, as well as through independent study. Class sizes decrease as you advance through the degree. Lectures are accompanied by small-group teaching in seminars and practicals.

York’s English and Linguistics degree is renowned for its flexible and innovative approach.

Our cutting-edge research informs all our teaching activities.

Our friendly, approachable, and accessible staff are world-leading experts in their fields. They are each available to meet individually with you during weekly open office hours – two in English and at least one in Linguistics.

We organize many guest lectures and readings by well-known critics, linguists, and writers.

The English Department’s unique writing provision, designed and taught by specialist tutors, forms a practical spine for the degree, preparing you to communicate clearly and confidently on a rich variety of topics and to any audience.

Overall workload

As a guide, students on this course typically spend their time as follows:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Lectures and seminars

204 hours

144 hours

144 hours

The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.

The rest of your time on the course will be spent on independent study. This may include preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours will vary from person to person. In UK higher education the expectation is that full-time students will spend 1,200 hours a year learning.

Teaching location

Your contact hours will be divided between various locations around Campus West, including Vanbrugh College, Derwent College and the Spring Lane Building.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.

Assessment and feedback

The Department of English and Related Literature employs a variety of assessment methods, including group presentations and closed exams, but with a strong emphasis on essay writing. Your main mode of assessment will be essays, which will range from short exploratory exercises to more detailed discussions on a topic of your choice, to the optional 7,000-8,000-word dissertation in your final year.

The Department of Language and Linguistic Science also uses varied assessment methods, including closed and open exams, coursework, extended essays, group oral presentations, lab reports and practicals.

Both departments offer high levels of feedback and ample opportunities for you to meet with staff to discuss your written work.

Percentage of the course typically assessed by coursework and exams

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Written exams

47%

25%

7%

Coursework

53%

72%

93%

Practical exams

0%

3%

0%

The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.

Careers and skills

Studying English and Linguistics at York will provide you with numerous career possibilities. You’ll learn presentation, language and critical thinking skills during your combined degree, and gain expertise in complex analysis and research. These skills suit a wide range of careers, from law and teaching to national and local government and the creative industries.

Applying

We look for intellectual and literary curiosity, open-mindedness, and analytical ability.

We encourage mature students to email the Admissions Tutor for consultation and advice.

At the University of York, we are committed to providing the support our students need to achieve their full potential and have an exceptional, transformational experience. The York Access Scheme offers help to those faced with social, personal or educational challenges which have affected their performance in education. We also offer support for care leavers.